The Showman:

Counter-attractions, man, at public cost.[Pg 19]

[Pg 19]

Fireworks, dancing, bonfires, soldiers, speeches.

In all my tour along the river's reaches

I've had ill-luck: I've clashed with public feasts.

At Wycombe fair, we met performing beasts,

At Henley, waxworks, and at Maidenhead

The Psyche woman talking with the dead.

At Bray, we met the rain, at Reading, flood,

At Pangbourne, politics, at Goring, mud.

Now here, at Wallingford, the Royal Pair.

Counter-attraction killing everywhere,[Pg 20]

[Pg 20]

Killing a circus dead: God give me peace;

If this be living, death will be release.

By God, it brims the cup; it fills the can.

What trade are you?

King Cole:

I am a wandering man.

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